A 73-year-old man was punched twice in the face while walking his dog in a vicious unprovoked attack in Bloxham Road, Banbury.

The pensioner was out for a walk with his Airedale Terrier between 8.30am and 8.45am on Wednesday when his dog tried to sniff a man walking by.

The man hurled abuse at his victim before punching the 73-year-old, leaving him with a bruise on his forehead and a cut to his lip which needed stitches.

He was described as white, 5ft 7ins tall, in his late 50s and of medium build.

He was wearing brown clothes, a hat, and was described as being dressed scruffily.

PC Ruth Ivins, investigating officer, said: “This was a nasty and completely unprovoked attack on an elderly gentleman as he walked his dog.

“The assault happened on a busy main road near to a secondary school during the rush hour.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, recognises the description of the offender, or has any information to come forward so we can catch the person responsible for this crime.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.